The Holy Cross football team plays its second-straight game at Fitton Field this Saturday, Oct. 7, when it faces Monmouth at 1:05 p.m. The game between the Crusaders and the Hawks will be televised live by Charter TV3 and the Patriot League Network, and can be heard live on WEEI 1440 AM in Worcester.

Holy Cross stands 2-3 overall this year with a 1-1 mark in the Patriot League. The Crusaders own victories over No. 9 New Hampshire (51-26) and Bucknell (20-0), while falling to Connecticut (27-20), Dartmouth (27-26 in overtime) and Lafayette (10-7). Holy Cross currently ranks eighth in the nation in third down conversion defense (27.8 percent), 14th in turnover margin (+1.2 turnovers per game), 22nd in scoring defense (18.0 points per game) and 22nd in net punting (38.2 yards per punt).

Senior quarterback Peter Pujals has led the Crusader offense by completing 121 of 222 passes for 1,316 yards and eight touchdowns. Senior wide out Blaise Bell has posted 30 receptions for 374 yards and four scores, while junior wide receiver Richie DeNicola has caught 17 passes for 160 yards. Senior tailback Diquan Walker leads the Holy Cross ground game with 207 yards and four touchdowns on 44 carries.

On the defensive side of the ball, junior linebacker Ryan Brady leads the team with 55 tackles, two sacks and six tackles for loss. Senior linebacker Nick McBeath has added 53 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions and a fumble recovery, while free safety Ahmad Tyler has recorded 29 tackles, one tackle for loss and five pass breakups.

Sophomore quarterback Kenji Bahar has led Monmouth by hitting on 90 of 139 passes for 886 yards and four touchdowns with three interceptions. Freshman tailback Pete Guerriero has carried the ball 75 times for 424 yards and five scores, while junior wide out Reggie White has 30 receptions for 295 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, senior strong safety Mike Basile has a team-best 49 tackles with an interception and four tackles for loss. Senior free safety Teddie Martinez is also enjoying a strong season with 29 tackles, two pass breakups and four interceptions.

“Monmouth is a very good team with a roster full of talented players,” said Holy Cross head coach Tom Gilmore. “They have been very impressive so far this year, as evidenced by their near-perfect record.”

After the contest with Monmouth, Holy Cross travels to Yale for a 1:00 p.m. game on Saturday, Oct. 14.

Tickets for the 2017 Holy Cross football season are available by calling 1-844-GOCROSS or by visiting GoHolyCross.com/tickets. Order your tickets today, to make sure you don’t miss out on a minute of the action!